The day hiking gear list is much lighter than the overnight gear list, but should still have many survival essentials, in case you end up needing to spend extra time in the woods. Getting lost, getting injured, or simply having your hike take longer than expected could have you needing gear that you did not expect to need.

Water: Assuming you are hiking in an area with plenty of natural water supplies, pack about a liter of water, and bring along a purification system. Iodine tabs are great because they come in a tiny bottle that weighs only about one ounce. Another option is a small filter. This is heavier, but leaves the water tasting better.

Food: Bring enough food for at least a day longer than you expect to be on the trail. This does not need to be complicated, just throw a few extra candy bars in your day pack, for example. It’s just about survival. You don’t want to get weak because you are suffering from hunger after you have gone 12 or 18 hours without food.

Clothing: Pack a change of clothing, in case the set you are wearing gets wet. Also, pack something warm enough to get you through the night if something happens requiring you to stay out there. An example would be, in the summer, pack a sweater, fleece pants and a hat. Keep your spare clothes in a plastic bag. Pack rain gear, even if rain is not predicted.

Navigation: Always carry a compass and a detailed map of the area you are hiking in. It is very easy to find yourself off of your intended trail, and once this happens it is even easier to get disoriented. A compass and a map can tell you which direction to go to get back to the trail, or to a road, etc. If you have a GPS, bring it, but also pack that compass, because a GPS could fail for a number of reasons.

First Aid: Pack a small first aid kit. There are some very good, lightweight options available at outdoor supply stores.

Before you leave, let someone know your intended route, so if something happens, they can effectively initiate a search for you. By all means, be prepared. You can start by checking out a guide that shows you how to pack emergency gear, that will keep you alive.

Your hiking gear list will vary substantially depending on many factors: length of hike, time of year, type of terrain, among many others. For example, a one or two night summer hike in moderate terrain would look like the following.

You will need a mid-size backpack, bigger than a day pack, but not expedition size. This should be large enough for all your gear, and if it is not, you probably are bringing along too much and will regret all the weight.

A lightweight 40 degree bag should be sufficient for summer camping, and you can probably find one that is reasonably priced. Don’t choose a bag with a temperature rating higher than 40, or you may find yourself struggling to stay warm on those crisp summer nights. Don’t forget a sleeping pad. There are very reasonably priced closed cell pads which are sufficient.

Plan to bring a small camp stove to cook with. You can make a campfire in some areas, but don’t rely on that for cooking. There are two major types of camp stoves available: white gas stoves and IsoPro canister stoves. IsoPro canister stoves are great in the summer, and there are some extremely lightweight options available. Pack a small liter pot to cook with, aluminum or titanium.

Pack about 2 pounds of food per day. Plan to cook only meals requiring boiling water, as this will keep the cooking and cleaning process very simple. There are some great just-add-water meals available at camping supply stores.

Pack an extra set of clothes, including some warm clothing, to help you in an emergency or of your first set gets wet.

Pack a small tent even if you plan to sleep in a lean-to shelter. You may not make it to the shelter, or you may find that the shelter is full.

There are many other small items you will need, but the ones above should be the bulkiest and most expensive. As you are packing, go through all of your activities in your head and make a list of everything you will need. Knowledge from proper preparation can save you time, money, and hassles. In worst cases, preparation can save your life, or the lives of your loved ones, in an emergency. A good way to be prepared for various life-threatening situations, and more is to check out The Ultimate Collection of Survival and Security eBooks.